Star Lake is a 4,721-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in north-central Otter Tail County approximately four miles west of Dent, MN. Star Lake is connected to Dead and Round Lakes via non-navigable streams. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. Extensive marsh areas are located in the south bay and the west arm of the lake. The maximum depth is 94 feet; however, 59% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2009 lake survey was 9.1 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 5.8 to 14.0 feet. Development is scattered around the entire shoreline of Star Lake. A total of 317 homes/cabins and seven resorts were counted during the 2000 lake survey. DNR owned public water accesses are located along the north and east shorelines. Stands of hardstem bulrush, wild rice, and common cattail are scattered along the shoreline of the entire lake; however, the largest stands are located in the south bay and the west arm. Emergent aquatic plants provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. To maintain the excellent water quality and angling that this lake has to offer, it is imperative to preserve the quality of the aquatic habitat. Star Lake is a popular angling lake during both the open water and ice fishing seasons. The lake has a reputation as one of the best all-around fishing lakes in Otter Tail County. Northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye, and bluegill are the dominant gamefish species. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the abundance of suitable spawning habitat that is available. The northern pike test-net catch rate was equivalent to the upper limit of the expected range for similar lakes. Age and length data from recent surveys indicate that pike reproduction is consistently good. Northern pike ranged in length from 11.9 to 30.6 inches with a mean length and weight of 19.1 inches and 1.4 pounds. Pike reach an average length of 20.1 inches at four years of age. The bluegill test-net catch rate was within the expected range for similar lakes. Bluegill catch rates have remained stable over the recent series of surveys. Bluegill size structure is excellent with 83% of the sample 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegill reach an average length of 7.8 inches at six years of age. A special regulation (sunfish daily bag limit of 10) was implemented in 2005 in an attempt to preserve the quality bluegill population. The walleye test-net catch rate was within the expected range for similar lakes. The long-term trend has been an increase in walleye catch rates. Walleye ranged in length from 7.5 to 26.8 inches with an average length and weight of 13.7 inches and 1.0 pound. The 2006 year class is very strong and should provide good walleye angling for several years. Walleye reach an average length of 15.5 inches at four years of age. Anglers can maintain the quality of angling by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake has enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.
Star Lake is a lake located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Star Lake Township, Minnesota is named after the lake because the township consists of nearly the entire lake. Public access to the lake is available on Minnesota State Highway 108.